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Kingston Buildings Bath
Bath and North-East Somerset
Archaeological Watching Brief
for
Bath Abbey Faculty and Footprint Projects
CA Project: 6083
CA Report: 17301
June 2017
Kingston Buildings Bath
Bath and North-East Somerset
Archaeological Watching Brief
CA Project: 6083 CA Report: 17301
This report is confidential to the client. Cotswold Archaeology accepts no responsibility or liability to any third
party to whom this report, or any part of it, is made known. Any such party relies upon this report entirely at their own risk. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without permission.
© Cotswold Archaeology
Document Control Grid
Revision Date Author Checked by Status Reasons for revision
Approved by
A 26.05.17 Marino Cardelli
Simon Cox Internal review
© Cotswold Archaeology
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Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
CONTENTS
|
SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................... 2
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 3
2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND ................................................................ 4
3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................... 5
4. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 6
5. RESULTS (FIGS 3-6) ......................................................................................... 6
6. THE FINDS ........................................................................................................ 9
7. DISCUSSION ..................................................................................................... 10
8. CA PROJECT TEAM .......................................................................................... 11
9. REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 11
APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS .................................................................... 13
APPENDIX B: THE FINDS .............................................................................................. 16
APPENDIX C: LEVELS OF POTENTIAL ROMAN HORIZON ......................................... 17
APPENDIX D: OASIS REPORT FORM .......................................................................... 18
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000)
Fig. 2 Test pit location plan, showing Bath Abbey and cellars to the south (1:300)
Fig. 3 Test pits V1 and V2 Plans (1:20), sections (1:20) and photographs
Fig. 4 Test pit V3: Plan (1:20), section (1:20) and photographs
Fig. 5 Test pits V4: Plan (1:20), section (1:20) and photographs
Fig. 6 Test pits V5 and V6: Plans (1:20), sections (1:20) and photograph
Fig. 7 Photograph of an original document showing excavated areas by Bath
Archaeological Trust in 1993, not to scale.
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Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
SUMMARY
Project Name: Kingston Buildings
Location: Bath, Bath and North-East Somerset
NGR: 375165 164745
Type: Watching Brief
Date: 2-11 May 2017
Planning Reference: 13/03335/FUL; 12/03336/LBA; 16/02022/VAR; 16/02439/VAR
Location of Archive: To be deposited with Bath Abbey
Site Code: FOOT 17
An archaeological watching brief was undertaken on six test pits excavated in each of the
existing vaulted cellars on the north side of Kingston Buildings during engineering
investigations associated with Phase One of the Bath Abbey Footprint Project.
Two surfaces in opus signinum, were identified in two test pits underneath the existing
cellars which lie immediately to the south of the abbey and bore a marked similarity to
Roman deposits identified in 1993 excavations by Bath Archaeological Trust in the same
location. Although those floor surfaces could not be definitively dated, they appear very likely
to be Roman.
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Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 In May 2017 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an archaeological watching
brief for Bath Abbey Faculty and Footprint Projects at Bath Abbey (centred at NGR:
375165 164745; Fig. 1). The watching brief was undertaken as part of a programme
of archaeological watching brief, excavation and historic building recording to fulfil a
condition attached to a planning consent for a range of improved public and ancillary
support facilities to Bath Abbey (Planning refs: 13/03335/FUL; 12/03336/LBA;
16/02022/VAR; 16/02439/VAR).
1.2 The watching brief was carried out in accordance with A Specification pertaining to
Phase 1 Footprint Project, which detailed requirements for archaeological
excavation, watching brief and building recording (CAP 2016) prepared by Cambrian
Archaeological Projects (CAP), the archaeological advisor to Bath Abbey, and with a
subsequent detailed Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) produced by CA (2016)
approved by Richard Sermon, Senior Archaeological Officer, Bath and North East
Somerset Council. The fieldwork also followed Standard and guidance:
Archaeological watching brief (CIfA 2014).
The site
1.3 The area of watching brief covered by this report comprised the existing vaults,
immediately to the south of the abbey, related to Numbers 9 to 12 Kingston
Buildings (Fig. 2).
1.4 The vaulted cellars were used for WCs in the recent past, but at present serve as
storage rooms. The cellar floors were laid to flagstones. All of the pits revealed a
post-medieval stone-lined drain running north-south along their eastern side, along
with later ceramic pipes for the toilets that were formerly situated in the cellars.
1.5 The underlying solid geology of the area is mapped as mudstone of the Charmouth
Mudstone Formation of the Lower Jurassic era, and the drift geology is mapped as
river terrace deposits consisting of sand and gravel (BGS 2011). Orangey sandy
gravel deposits thought to represent the natural substrate were encountered in Test
Pits V2, V5 and V6.
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Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
2.1 Numerous previous archaeological investigations and reports have been completed.
In 2005 a desk-based archaeological assessment of the below-floor areas of the
church was carried out by ASI Heritage Consultants, in connection with proposals to
repair and level the floor of the church (ASI 2005). In 2010 Cotswold Archaeology
was commissioned to update the 2005 assessment to make sure that it is still
appropriate for the current project (CA 2010). This was followed by archaeological
evaluation by Cotswold Archaeology in 2011 (CA 2011), and the numerous further
investigations and impact assessments detailed in Section 4 of the Specification
(CAP 2016). In summary the site has potential for significant remains from the
prehistoric period through to the modern day, demonstrated by previous excavations
and observations, with complex remains from the Roman, Saxon, medieval, post-
medieval and modern period surviving across the site, both inside and outside the
church. It appears that the current church floor surface, constructed between 1863
and 1872, lies above c. 2.5m of intercut graves and burial vaults from the 16th to the
19th centuries. These are above the floor of the Norman and later medieval abbey
and its structures, and beneath these lay Saxon, Roman and prehistoric deposits,
known to be at least 1m to 3m in thickness.
2.2 Outside the church, excavations have demonstrated a similarly complex build-up of
Roman, Saxon, medieval and post-medieval structures and deposits. Excavations
by Bath Archaeological Trust (BAT) in 1992-93 directly to the south of the Abbey
identified a series of cobbled surfaces at between 20.1m and 20.65m AOD showing
that the area to the east of the Roman Baths was open space until the late 3rd-
century AD (Watkins 2015, 20). At least 30 Saxon burials were also revealed directly
to the south of the Abbey, eight of which were radio-carbon dated to the 9th to 10th
century. Later medieval burials were also identified, and were often stone lined and
capped.
2.3 A recent archive search at Roman Baths Museum has shown that the test pit
excavation area had been previously investigated by BAT between September and
December 1993. Only part of the unpublished records has been recovered but
according to the original documents: ‘Trenches were dug in all six cellars projecting
northwards beneath the pavement in front of Kingston Buildings.’ Although the
trenches were given a separate site code, Kingston Buildings was treated as part of
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Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
the Abbey Heritage Centre project. The results of the BAT investigations within
Kingston Buildings are paraphrased below, paras 2.4-2.6.
2.4 Beneath Kingston Buildings Cellars A-B, c.4.5m south of AHC Area 1 (most likely
corresponding to test pits V1 and V2; Figs 2-3, 8), the earliest recorded layers were
two gravel surfaces, comparable with the surfaces in the AHC cellars. The higher
one was sealed by a cambered worn limestone cobbled surface set in angular
rubble, probably a road.
2.5 Beneath Kingston Buildings Cellars C-D the natural substrate was covered by build-
up layers for a possible timber building. A pinkish-red opus signinum floor respected
a stone block on edge, which may have served as the cill for a timber beam. The
floor was sealed beneath layers which were cut by the foundation trench of a stone
wall. This had been robbed out but it appeared to be the north wall of a building
post-dating the timber structure, though retaining the same alignment.
2.6 The north-west corner and the south return wall were located on the east edge of KB
Cellar C. The stone wall had been robbed out and the robber trench was sealed by a
gravel surface. This building is likely to belong to an earlier phase than the structure
in the AHC cellars and the possible building in AHC Area 1, though there was no
direct stratigraphical link between them.’
2.7 In light of the above, it is very likely that some of the deposits identified during the
present Watching Brief are part of the backfill of BAT’s 1993 Abbey Heritage Centre
trenches.
3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
3.1 The objectives of the archaeological works were:
to monitor groundworks, and to identify, investigate and record all significant buried
archaeological deposits revealed on the site during the course of the development
groundworks;
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Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
at the conclusion of the project, to produce an integrated archive for the project work
and a report setting out the results of the project and the archaeological conclusions
that can be drawn from the recorded data
4. METHODOLOGY
4.1 The fieldwork followed the methodology set out within the WSI (CA 2016). An
archaeologist was present during excavation of Test Pits V1 to V6 (Fig. 2).
4.2 Where archaeological deposits were encountered written, graphic and photographic
records were compiled in accordance with CA Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork
Recording Manual.
4.3 The archive from the watching brief is currently held by CA at their offices in Kemble.
The finds will be deposited with Bath Abbey along with the site archive. A summary
of information from this project, set out within Appendix D will be entered onto the
OASIS online database of archaeological projects in Britain.
5. RESULTS (FIGS 3-6)
Test Pit V1 (Fig. 3)
5.1 A mid-brown sandy gravel deposit, V106, was identified in the base of the test pit at
0.5m below present ground level (BPGL; 20.83m AOD) from which Roman and
medieval artefacts were recovered. Deposit V106 measured at least 0.6m in depth
and was cut by a north-south aligned construction cut, V103, for a stone-lined
drain, V102, measuring at least 0.05m in width and at least 0.5m in depth.
Construction cut V103 was also backfilled with a dark brown silty clay deposit, V104,
measuring at least 0.10m in width and at least 0.50m in thickness, interpreted as
packing material for stone-lined drain V102. The cover of drain V102 and
construction cut backfill V104 were subsequently sealed by two levelling/make up
layers, V105 and V101, for the existing floor V100.
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Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
5.2 Test Pit V2 (Fig.3)
An orangey sandy gravel deposit, V206, possible natural substrate, was identified at
0.6m BPGL (20.76m AOD) in a narrow slot within the test pit and excavated to the
depth of 0.5m. This was sealed by a thin layer of friable sandy mortar, V205
measuring 0.03m in thickness, interpreted as possible external surface. Sealing this,
deposit V209 was identified at 0.47m BPGL and measured 0.15m in depth, which
was in turn overlain by deposit V208, also 0.15m in depth, encountered at 0.35m
BPGL. These two broadly horizontal deposits were sealed by a thin layer of light
brown lime mortar, V207, interpreted as a possible horizontal surface. At its western
extent, V207 was truncated by a north-south aligned construction cut, V212,
measuring at least 0.55m in width and at least 0.40m in depth, for a stone-lined
drain V210. As in test pit V1, construction cut V212 was backfilled with a mid-dark
silty clay deposit, V211, measured at least 0.15m in width and at least 0.40m in
depth, interpreted as packing material for stone-lined drain V210. Deposit V207 was
sealed by a make-up layer of orangey sandy gravel mixed with CBM, V202,
measured 0.26m in thickness. Subsequently, deposit V202 was truncated to the
southern extent by a more recent construction cut, V203, for a manhole V204. No
artefactual material was recovered from either deposit.
5.3 Test Pit V3 (Fig. 4)
The top of a pinkish-red opus signinum surface, V314 was identified in a slot at 1.2m
BPGL. It was sealed by a possible bedding deposit, V313 which was at least 0.25m
thick. This was in turn sealed by a thin reddish-brown silty clay layer, V312, and a
sandy mortar floor surface, V311, which was 0.03m thick, visible at 0.9m BPGL at
the south-eastern corner of the test pit. Overlying this, was a loose deposit of small
to medium stoney rubble in a brown soil matrix, V310, which measured 0.34m in
depth, and was interpreted as a substantial levelling/bedding deposit for a light
greyish lime mortar surface, V309. Surface V309 measured 0.08m in thickness,
lying horizontally at 0.5m BPGL. No artefactual material was recovered from either
deposit. Overlaying deposit V309 was a make-up layer, V306, for the original stone
slab floor, V305, measured 0.37m in depth which has been disturbed by a modern
ceramic pipe V308 and subsequently truncated by what appeared to be a former
BAT trench V304 (see Archaeological Background above). Former BAT trench V304
measured 0.90m in width and 1.20m in depth and it was backfilled at the base with a
mid-dark silty clay deposit mixed with medium to large stones, V302, measured
0.75m in thickness. Above it, an upper fill of orangey sandy gravel deposit, V301,
which was 0.63m thick.
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Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
5.4 Test Pit V4 (Fig.5)
A reddish clay deposit with frequent stones, V406, was visible at 0.9m BPGL
measuring at least 0.2m in thickness. Overlying deposit V406, on the northern side
of the test pit, a layer of brownish compacted laminated soils, V405, measuring
0.09m in thickness, was encountered at 0.8m BPGL. Overlying deposit V406 on the
southern side of the test pit, a small portion of reddish-pink opus signinum floor,
V415, most likely in situ, measured at least 0.25m in width and 0.04m in thickness
was encountered at 0.9m BPGL. It is likely that floor V415 extended beyond the
south-western limit of test pit. At the same level as floor V415 and also overlying
deposit V406, a laminated reddish-brown layer, V414, was identified and measured
0.04m in thickness. This layer and floor V415, were both sealed by an orangey-
brown possible mortared floor, V413, measuring 0.04m in depth, identified only lying
in the southern section of the test pit at 0.87m BPGL. Deposits V413, V414 and
V405 were truncated to the east of the test pit by a north-south aligned construction
cut, V412, for a probably 17th to 18th-century stone-lined drain V411. This was
subsequently sealed by a make-up/levelling deposit, V404, measuring 0.34m in
depth, which has been disturbed by a modern ceramic pipe and also truncated by a
former BAT’s trench V402 which was 0.80m wide and at least 1.10m deep. It
contained a mid-dark silty clay deposit mixed with modern material, V401. No
artefactual material was recovered from either deposit.
5.5 Test Pit V5 (Fig.6)
An orangey sandy gravel deposit, V510, possibly natural, was identified in a narrow
slot in the base of the test pit at 1.2m BPGL. It was cut by a possible north-
west/south-east aligned feature, V509, measuring at least 0.5m in length, of which
only part of the eastern side was visible. It contained a dark brown loose deposit
mixed with occasional stones, V508, measuring at least 0.45m in depth. Given the
total absence of artefactual material, it is likely that this feature could be considered
a modern event associated with BAT’s excavation. A construction cut, V506, for
another north-south aligned stone-lined drain, V502, was only visible in the southern
side of this test pit and it measured at least 0.90m in width and 0.67m in depth.
Construction cut V506 was also backfilled with a mid-dark grey silty clay deposit,
V505, a possible packing material, which was 0.54m thick. Within the structure itself,
stone-lined drain V502, two backfills were identified. Above the base of the drain, a
light grey silty clay deposit, V504, was 0.15m thick and it was covered by a mid-dark
brown silty clay deposit, V503, which was 0.20m thick. Stone-lined drain V502 was
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Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
only visible in section and it was almost completely truncated by the construction of
a modern ceramic pipe and subsequently by a former BAT trench V513. Former
BAT trench V513 measured at least 0.90m in width and 1.30m in depth. It contained
a mid-grey silty clay deposit mixed with modern material, V514.
5.6 Test Pit V6 (Fig.6)
An orangey-red sandy gravel deposit V604, similar to V510 in test pit V5 was
encountered at 0.6m BPGL and measured at least 0.5m in depth. This was most
likely truncated by a former BAT trench, V605, which was at least 1.15m in width
and at least 1.10m in depth. It contained a series of broadly modern fills, V603, V602
and V601. Lower fill V603, was a mid-dark silty clay fill which was at least 0.40m
thick. Above it, a light grey silty clay fill mixed with modern materials, V602, which
was 0.50m thick. Also a mid-brown silty sand upper fill, V601, measuring 0.22m in
thickness was identified just below the existing floor V600.
6. THE FINDS
6.1 Artefactual material comprising small quantities of pottery and ceramic building
material was recorded from two deposits, dumped layer V106 and drain fill V504
(Appendix B). Codes used for Roman coarse pottery (in parenthesis below)
correspond to the type series in use for the City of Bath (Bidwell and Croom 1999).
Pottery
6.2 Pottery of Roman date (2 sherds, weighing 22g) was recorded from dumped deposit
V106. Both sherds are abraded and appear to be redeposited, occurring with a
fragment of medieval floor tile (below). A sherd of Central Gaulish samian is
identifiable as from a form Dr 38 bowl and as such can be dated c. AD 150-200. The
second Roman sherd occurs in a coarse reduced-fired fabric (CRW). It is a rim
sherd from a necked jar and with bifid/collared rim.
6.3 Modern pottery, comprising two joining sherds (49g) from a small yellow ware mug,
was recorded from drain fill V504, for which a 19th or 20th-century date is probable.
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Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
Ceramic Building Material (CBM)
6.4 A single fragment of medieval decorated floor tile was recorded from (91g) dumped
deposit V106. Only a small area of the inlaid upper surface is preserved and the
design is indeterminate. The fabric is a coarse sandy type identifiable as from the
Nash Hill tilery, near Lacock, Wilts. The rear of the tile features part of one knife-cut
keying scoop, which is also typical for Nash Hill tiles. A date in the late 13th or 14th
centuries is suggested.
7. DISCUSSION
7.1 The watching brief confirmed the results of the earlier BAT excavations, which
showed that the remains of Roman structures and layers, sealed beneath post-
medieval deposits, have not been fully truncated by later buildings. Unfortunately,
BAT’s excavation archive is incomplete, but there is enough information from the
plan (Fig. 8) and descriptions to corroborate the findings of the present test pit
investigation.
7.2 The stratigraphy within test pits V3 and V4 (Figs 4-5) seems to correlate well with
BAT’s 'Beneath KB Cellars C-D (...)' where ‘A pinkish-red op. sig. floor (...)’,
compatible with both floors V415 and V314, ‘was sealed beneath layers which were
cut by a foundation trench for a stone wall. This had been robbed out but it appeared
to be the north wall of a building (...)’. It was not possible to determine whether there
was a foundation or robber cut in test pit V4, but it seems likely that the top of opus
signinum, V314 in test pit V3, actually corresponds to the base of a cut that also
vertically cuts overlapping layers V311, V312 and V313.
7.3 As suggested by the BAT investigations, the presence of a 'north wall for a building'
cannot be excluded, as in test pit V4 there is a clear stratigraphic difference between
the southern and northern edges of the trench. To the south, mortar floor V413,
sealing a portion of opus signinum floor, V415, argues for an internal area most
likely reused/repaved, while to the north, compacted laminated layers, V405,
suggests an external area which was almost perhaps butting a robbed out east-west
aligned wall.
7.4 It seems clear that parts of test pits V1, V2, V5 and V6 are within BAT’s backfilled
excavations to a depth of at least1.1m BPGL. However, possible natural, V206,
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Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
sealed by a thin layer of sandy mortar, V205, in test pit V2 was interpreted as
possible external surface ‘(…) probably a road(…)’, although this does not look
convincing from the evidence of test pit V2.
8. CA PROJECT TEAM
Fieldwork was undertaken by Marino Cardelli. The report was written by Marino
Cardelli. The finds report was written by Jacky Somerville. The illustrations were
prepared by Esther Escudero. The archive has been compiled by Marino Cardelli,
and prepared for deposition by Hazel O’Neill. The project was managed for CA by
Simon Cox.
9. REFERENCES
ASI (ASI Heritage Consultants) 2005 Abbey Church of St Peter, Bath. Archaeological
assessment of the floor structure.
BAT (Bath Archaeological Trust) 1993 Kingston Buildings Cellars KB A-F, unpublished.
Bidwell, P.T. and Croom, A.T. 1999 ‘The Roman Pottery’, in Davenport 1999, 89–105
BGS (British Geological Survey) 2017 http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyviewer_google/googleviewer.html.
Accessed 16 March 2017
CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2010 Bath Abbey (the parish church of St Peter and Paul). Bath.
Update of an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment
CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2011 Bath Abbey, Bath, Bath and North-East Somerset.
Archaeological Evaluation.
CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2016 Bath Abbey Footprint Project Phase 1: Written Scheme of
Investigation for a Programme of Archaeological Excavation, Watching Brief and
Buidling Recording
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Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
CAP (Cambrian Archaeological Projects) 2016 Specification for Archaeological Watching
Brief, Building Recording and Archaeological Excavation: Store Rooms and Escape
Link Adjacent to Jackson Extension, Bath Abbey, Bath.
Davenport, P. 1999 Archaeology in Bath: Excavations 1984-1989, Oxford, British Archaeol.
Rep. (Brit. Ser) 284
Watkins K 2015 An Archaeological Impact Assessment of Proposed Works
during the Bath Abbey Footprint Project
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APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS
Trench No.
Context No.
Type Fill of Context interpretation
Description L (m) W (m) D(m) Spot-date
V1 V100 Layer Existing floor Flagstone 0.74 0.46 0.04
V1 V101 Deposit Make-up layer Mid grey silty clay >1.15 >0.90 0.50
V1 V102 Structure V103 Drain N-S stone lined drain >1.15 >0.09 0.30
V1 V103 Cut construction cut Linear construction cut for drain V102
>1.15 >0.15 >0.50
V1 V104 Fill V103 Fill of construction
cut Dark brown silty clay with occasional stone
>1.15 >0.10 >0.50
V1 V105 Deposit Make-up/levelling
deposit Light brown sandy gravel above drain V102
>1.15 >0.90 0.20
V1 V106 Deposit Dump deposit Mid brown sandy gravel >0.90 - 0.50
V1 V107 Fill V103 Fill within drain
V102 Mid dark silt within stone-lined drain V102
>1.15 - 0.25
V2 V200 Layer Existing floor Flagstone 0.60 0.46 0.08
V2 V201 Fill V203 Fill of construction
cut Mid dark brown silty clay with frequent stone
- 0.80 0.50
V2 V202 Deposit Make-up/levelling
deposit Orangey sandy gravel mixed with bricks
- >0.68 0.26
V2 V203 Cut Construction cut Construction cut for manhole - 0.80 0.50
V2 V204 Structure V203 Manhole Ceramic pipe and manhole >0.40 >0.30 0.60
V2 V205 Layer Surface Friable sandy mortar surface >0.90 >0,60 0.03
V2 V206 Deposit Possible natural Orangey sandy grave >0.90 >0.60 >0.50
V2 V207 Layer Surface Light brown lime mortar >0.47 0.02
V2 V208 Deposit Make-up/levelling Brown sandy gravel bedding for surface V207
>052 0.15
V2 V209 Deposit Make-up/levelling Mid grey silty clay below V208 >0.60 0.15
V2 V210 Structure V212 Drain N-S stone lined drain >1.45 >0.40 0.60
V2 V211 Fill V212 Fill of construction cut
Mid dark silty clay >1.45 0.15 >0.40
V2 V212 Cut Construction cut Linear construction cut for drain V210
>1.45 >0.55 >0.40
V2 V213 Layer Existing floor Existing flagstone >0.58 >0.50 >0.13
V3 V300 Layer Existing floor Flagstone probably replaced by BAT
0.45 0.56 0.06
V3 V301 Fill V304 Backfill of BAT trench
Orangey sandy gravel deposit >1.30 0.90 0.63
V3 V302 Fill V304 Backfill of BAT trench
Mid dark silty clay deposit mixed with medium to large stones
>1.30 0.90 0.75
V3 V303 Void
V3 V304 Cut Former BAT trench
Cut for an archaeological trench running E-W
>1.30 0.90 1.20
V3 V305 Layer Existing floor Same as V300 0.57 0.48 0.14
V3 V306 Deposit Make up/levelling Yellow brown sandy deposit mixed with medium size stones
>1.30 >0.90 0.37
V3 V307 Cut Construction cut Cut for undercover service >1.30 0.43
V3 V308 Fill V307 Backfill Mid dark silty clay deposit including ceramic pipe
>1.30 0.43
V3 V309 Deposit Surface Friable light grey lime mortar surface
>1.30 0.08
V3 V310 Deposit Levelling layer Mixed deposit of dark brown clay and crush sandstone
>1.30 0.36
V3 V311 Layer Surface Pale brown compacted sandy mortar
>0.48 >0.04
V3 V312 Layer Surface/bedding layer
Reddish silty clay compacted material with occasional charcoal and fragment of op.sig.
>1.30 >0.05
V3 V313 Deposit Levelling/bedding Mid reddish brown deposit with occasional medium size stones
>1.30 0.27
V3 V314 Layer Surface Opus signinum >0.47 >0.90 >0.03
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V3 V315 Layer Existing floor Flagstone >0.45 >0.27 0.07
V4 V400` Surface Existing floor Flagstone replaced by BAT 0.30 0.25 0.04
V4 V401 Fill Backfill of BAT trench
Silty clay deposit mixed with modern material
>1.50 0.80 1.10
V4 V402 Cut Former BAT trench
Cut for an archaeological trench running E-W
>1.50 0.80 >1.10
V4 V403 Deposit Make up layer Rubble deposit underneath V400
>1.50 0.40
V4 V404 Deposit Levelling deposit Mid brown stoney deposit in a sandy matrix
>1.50 0.35
V4 V405 Layer Laminated surface Mid orangey brown layers underneath V404 with frequent charcoal as inclusions
>1.50 0.10
V4 V406 Layer Bedding/levelling Reddish clay compact with frequent medium size stones
>1.50 >0.20
V4 V407 Layer Existing floor Flagstone 0.60 0.55 0.14
V4 V408 Layer Existing floor Flagstone 0.60 0.50 0.06
V4 V409 Fill V410 Backfill Mid dark silty clay deposit including ceramic pipe
>1.50 0.75
V4 V410 Cut Construction cut Cut for undercover service >1.50 0.75
V4 V411 Structure V412 Stone lined drain N-S aligned stone lined drain including base, cover and internal backfill
>0.80 >0.52 >0.40
V4 V412 Cut Construction cut Linear N-S construction cut for a stone-lined drain V411
>0.80 >0.52 >0.40
V4 V413 Layer Surface Orangey brown mortared floor >0.90 >0.04
V4 V414 Layer Bedding Laminated reddish brown layer underneath V413
>0.50 0.04
V4 V415 Layer Surface In situ portion of opus signinum floor
>0.23 0.04
V5 V500 Layer Existing floor Flagstone 0.87 0.56 0.11
V5 V501 Layer Floor bedding Pale yellow sand with dark patches of clay
>1.40 0.11
V5 V502 Structure V506 Stone lined drain N-S aligned stone lined drain including base and cover
>0.90 >0.90 0.67
V5 V503 Fill V506 Upper fill within drain V502
Mid dark brown silty clay >0.90 0.46 0.20
V5 V504 Fill V506 Lower fill within drain V502
Light grey brown silty clay >0.90 0.40 0.15
V5 V505 Fill V506 Backfill Mid dark grey silty clay with occasional small stone
>0.90 >0.40 >0.54
V5 V506 Cut Construction cut for drain V502
Linear N-S aligned cut for a stone lined drain
>0.90 >0.90 0.67
V5 V507 Layer Levelling beneath drain V502
Mid yellow sandy silt deposit with small size pebbles
>1.08 0.12
V5 V508 Fill V509 Backfill associated with BAT trench
Dark brown sitly clay with frequent charcoal and loose medium stone
>0.70 >0.50 >0.40
V5 V509 Cut Cut associated with Former BAT trench
Undefined cut probably the same as V513
>0.70 >0.50 >0.40
V5 V510 Layer Natural substrate Upper interface of orangey sandy gravel
>0.70 >0.50 >0.09
V5 V511 Cut Construction cut Linear e-w cut for undercover service
>0.90 >0.67 >0.65
V5 V512 Fill V511 Modern backfill Dark silty clay >0.90 >0.67 >0.65
V5 V513 Cut BAT trench Cut for an archaeological trench running E-W
>1.40 >0.90 1.30
V5 V514 Fill V513 Backfill of BAT trench
Silty clay deposit mixed with modern material
>1.40 >0.90 1.30
V5 V515 Layer Existing floor Flagstone 0.25 0.24 0.04
V6 V600 Layer Existing floor Flagstone 0.28 0.24 0.04
V6 V601 Fill V605 Backfill Mid brown silty sand deposit with modern material
>1.55 >1.15 0.22
V6 V602 Fill V605 Backfill Light grey silty clay with modern material
>1.55 >1.15 0.50
V6 V603 Fill V605 Backfill Mid dark silty clay with >1.55 >1.15 >0.40
© Cotswold Archaeology
15
Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
occasional charcoal
V6 V604 Layer Natural substrate Upper interface of orangey sandy gravel
>1.55 >1.15 >0.50
V6 V605 Cut Former BAT trench
Cut for an archaeological trench running E-W
>1.55 >1.15 >1.10
© Cotswold Archaeology
16
Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
APPENDIX B: THE FINDS
Context Category Description Ct. Wt.(g) Spot-date
V106 Medieval CBM Decorated floor tile: Nash Hill type 1 91 LC13-C14 Roman pottery Central Gaulish (Lezoux) fabric: form Drag 38 1 2 Roman pottery Coarse reduced ware (CRW): necked jar 1 20
V504 Modern pottery Yellow ware: mug 1 48 C19+
© Cotswold Archaeology
17
Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
APPENDIX C: LEVELS OF POTENTIAL ROMAN HORIZON
Upper figures are depth below modern ground level; lower figures in parentheses are metres AOD. AOD heights were calculated by measuring down from the external ground surface level above the cellars in which each test pit was excavated, assuming that level to be 24.51m AOD.
Test Pit V4
Current ground level 0.00m (21.28m)
Top of levelling dep. V404 0.50m (20.78m)
Top of sandy mortar floor V413
0.87m (20.41m)
Top of op.sig. V415 0.85m (20.43m)
Limit of excavation 1.10m (20.18m)
Test Pit V3
Current ground level 0.00m (21.32m)
Top of sandy mortar surface V311
0.90m (20.42m)
Top of brown silty clay layer V312
0.92m (20.4m)
Top of bedding deposit V313
0.95m (20.37m)
Top of op.sig. V314 1.20m (20.12m)
Limit of excavation 1.20m (20,12m)
© Cotswold Archaeology
18
Kingston Buildings, Bath: Archaeological Watching Brief
APPENDIX D: OASIS REPORT FORM
PROJECT DETAILS
Project Name Kingston Buildings, Bath, Bath and North East Somerset
Short description
An archaeological watching brief was undertaken on six test pits excavated in each of the existing vaulted cellars on the north side of Kingston Buildings during engineering investigations associated with Phase One of the Bath Abbey Footprint Project. Two surfaces in opus signinum, were identified in two test pits underneath the existing cellars which lie immediately to the south of the abbey and bore a marked similarity to Roman deposits identified in 1993 excavations by Bath Archaeological Trust in the same location. Although those floor surfaces could not be
definitively dated, they appear very likely to be Roman. Project dates 2-11 May 2017
Project type
Archaeological Watching Brief
Previous work
Archaeological evaluation (BAT 1993 unpublished) Desk-Based Assessment (ASI 2005) Desk-Based Assessment (CA 2010) Archaeological evaluation (CA 2011)
Future work Unknown
PROJECT LOCATION
Site Location Bath, Bath and North-East Somerset
Study area (M2/ha) 0.5ha
Site co-ordinates 375165 164745
PROJECT CREATORS
Name of organisation Cotswold Archaeology
Project Brief originator Cambrian Archaeological Projects
Project Design (WSI) originator Cotswold Archaeology
Project Manager Simon Cox
Project Supervisor Marino Cardelli
MONUMENT TYPE Abbey
SIGNIFICANT FINDS none
PROJECT ARCHIVES Intended final location of archive (museum/Accession no.)
Content (e.g. pottery, animal bone etc)
Physical Bath Abbey
Paper Bath Abbey Context sheets, permatrace drawings, photo register
Digital Bath Abbey digital photos
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2017 Kingston Buildings, Bath, Bath and North-East Somerset: Archaeological Watching Brief. CA typescript report 17301
167000167000
163000163000
377000377000
373000373000
375000375000
165000165000
THE VALEGLAMORGAN
CARDIFF
RH
ON
DD
A,
CY
NO
N, TA
FF NEWPORT
CA
ER
PH
ILLY
TOR
FAE
NM
ONM
OUTHSHIRE
NORTHSOMERSET
SOUTHGLOUCESTERSHIRE
CITY OFBRISTOL
WBER
OXFO
SOMERSET
WILTSHIRE
HA
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
BOUROUGH OFSWINDON
BATH AND NE SOMERSET
CotswoldArchaeology
N
PROJECT TITLE
FIGURE TITLE
FIGURE NO.
0 1km
Reproduced from the digital Ordnance Survey Explorer map with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeology Ltd 100002109
c 1
Bath Abbey Project Phase One, Bath and NE Somerset
Site location plan
PROJECT NO.DATESCALE@A4
DRAWN BYCHECKED BYAPPROVED BY
608305/06/20171:25,000
EEDJBSC
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Cirencester 01285 771022
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e enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
Site location
Bath Abbey
Roman Baths
York Street
Bath Abbey
Roman BathsYork Street
Church S
treet
Abbey S
treet
Sw
allow S
treet
Cheap Street
A3039
CotswoldArchaeology
N
PROJECT TITLE
FIGURE TITLE
FIGURE NO.
Reproduced from the digtial Ordnance Survey digital map with the permissionof Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeology Ltd 100002109 c
2
Test pit location plan - showing Bath Abbey and cellars to the South and previous Test Pits CA 2017
PROJECT NO.DATESCALE@A3
DRAWN BYCHECKED BYAPPROVED BY
608305/06/20171:300
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Cirencester 01285 771022
Exeter 01392 826185
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e enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
0 15m1:300
Bath Abbey Project Phase One, Bath and NE Somerset
164760164760
164780164780
375100375100
375120375120
375140375140
375160375160
375080375080
164740164740
164720164720
Test Pit (CA 2017)
Kingston Buildings Test Pit
Areas excavated to Roman levels by BAT in 1993 (AHC 93)
KB 93 (unpublished)
V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6
B2(see Fig. 3)
B2(see Fig. 3)
B3(see Fig. 7)
B3(see Fig. 7) B16
(see Fig. 9)B16
(see Fig. 9)
B15(see Fig. 7)
B15(see Fig. 7)
B9(see Fig. 5)
B9(see Fig. 5)
B9.1(see Fig. 5)
B9.1(see Fig. 5)
B10(see Fig. 6)
B10(see Fig. 6)
B12(see Fig. 6)
B12(see Fig. 6)
B8B8
B11B11
B5(see Fig. 4)
B5(see Fig. 4)
21.35mAOD
21.37AOD
20.57AOD
21.35AOD
V206
V204 V201
drai
n
base
cover
V204
V201
V203
V213
V210V202
V212
V211
V211
V208
V209
V205
V207
V200
V205
V206 V206
21.36m AOD
S EN W
Section BB
V106
V104
V103
A
A
B
B
Plan of Test Pit V1
Plan of Test Pit V2 Section BB: Test Pit V2
1:200 1m
1:200 1m
1:200 1m
1:200 1m
N
N
Section AA: Test Pit V1
V101
V105
V102
stone-lineddrainV107
V104
V104V103
V105
V106
V100 V100
V101
21.33m AOD
N WS E
Section AA
stone-lineddrain
V210stone-lined drain
Test Pit V1, looking south (1m scale)
Test Pit V2, looking north (1m scale)
V101 V101
V105 V105
V106 V106
V104 V104
Floor V100 Floor V100
V103 V103
V202 V202
Floor V213 Floor V213
V212 V212
V211 V211
V210V210
stone-lineddrain
stone-lineddrain
V207 V207
V208 V208
V209 V209
V205 V205
V206 V206
CotswoldArchaeology
PROJECT TITLE
FIGURE TITLE
FIGURE NO.
3PROJECT NO.DATESCALE@A3
DRAWN BYCHECKED BYAPPROVED BY
608305/06/20171:20
EEDJBSC
Andover 01264 347630
Cirencester 01285 771022
Exeter 01392 826185
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w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
e enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
Bath Abbey Project Phase One,Bath and NE Somerset
Test Pits V1 and V2: plans, sections and photographs
A A Section location
Situation of Test Pits V1 and V2
Test Pit V3, looking north-west (1m and 0.4m scales) Test Pit V3, looking south-east (1m scale)
sondagesondage
V307
V312V311
V312
V315 V300
V301
V305
V306
V309V309
V306
V306
V308 drain
V310
V313V313
V310
V314former BAT trench
V304
21.32m AOD
E EW S
Section CC
N W
Section CC: Test Pit V3
V300
former BAT trenchV304
BAT trench backfillV302
V314V314BAT trench backfill
V302
C
C
Plan of Test Pit V3
1:200 1m
1:200 1m
N
V301V301
former BAT trenchV304
former BAT trenchV304
BAT trench backfillV302
BAT trench backfillV302
BAT trench backfillV302
BAT trench backfillV302
BAT trench backfillV302
BAT trench backfillV302
sondagesondage
V313V313
V301
V301
V302
V302
V312V312
V310V310
V309V309
V306V306
V308 drainV308 drain
floorV300floorV300
former BAT trenchV304
former BAT trenchV304
floorV315floorV315
V311V311V314
Opus SigninumV314
Opus Signinum
V314Opus Signinum
V314Opus Signinum
CotswoldArchaeology
PROJECT TITLE
FIGURE TITLE
FIGURE NO.
4PROJECT NO.DATESCALE@A3
DRAWN BYCHECKED BYAPPROVED BY
608305/06/20171:20
EEDJBSC
Andover 01264 347630
Cirencester 01285 771022
Exeter 01392 826185
Milton Keynes 01908 564660
w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
e enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
Bath Abbey Project Phase One,Bath and NE Somerset
Test Pits V3: plan, section and photographs
A A
Former BAT trench
Roman layers
Opus Signinum floor
Section location
Situation of Test Pit V3
Test Pit V4, looking north (0.4m scale) Test Pit V4, looking south-east (1m and 0.4m scales)
V401BAT trench backfillpossible location
of formar BAT trench
floor V407
floor V408
V412 V411
V413
V409
ceramic
pipe
V415
D
D
V407
V403
V404
V400
V408
V409
V404
V413
V410
ceramic pipe
stone-lineddrain
V405
V406
former BAT trenchV402
V415V414
V412
21.28m AOD
E EW S
Section DD
N W
V401BAT trench backfill
former BAT trenchV402
Section DD: Test Pit V4
Plan of Test Pit V4
1:200 1m1:200 1m
N
V407 V407
V408 V408 V413 V413
V401V401
V415Opus Signinum
V415Opus Signinum
V404 V404
V405 V405
V406V406
CotswoldArchaeology
PROJECT TITLE
FIGURE TITLE
FIGURE NO.
5PROJECT NO.DATESCALE@A3
DRAWN BYCHECKED BYAPPROVED BY
608305/06/20171:20
EEDJBSC
Andover 01264 347630
Cirencester 01285 771022
Exeter 01392 826185
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w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
e enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
Bath Abbey Project Phase One,Bath and NE Somerset
Test Pits V4: plan, section and photographs
A A
Former BAT trench
Roman layers
Opus Signinum floor
Section location
Situation of Test Pit V4
Section EE: Test Pit V5
1:200 1m
V500
V501
V505
V515
V506
V503V512
V504
V507V511
V508
V509 V508
Possible BAT trenchbackfill V514
former BAT trenchV513
V510
21.2mAOD
E NW S
Section EE
stone-lined drainV502
stone-lined drainV502V512
V500
V500
V511
V510
V515replaced floor
stone-lined drainV502
V501
V508
V509
E
E
Possible BAT trenchbackfill V514
former BAT trenchV513
Test Pit V5, looking west (0.4m scale)
Possible BAT trenchbackfill V514
Possible BAT trenchbackfill V514
V500V500
V515V515
Former BAT trenchV513
Former BAT trenchV513
V514V514
V508V508
V508V508stone-lined drainV502
stone-lined drainV502
V510V510
V509V509
Plan of Test Pit V5
1:200 1m
N
CotswoldArchaeology
PROJECT TITLE
FIGURE TITLE
FIGURE NO.
6PROJECT NO.DATESCALE@A3
DRAWN BYCHECKED BYAPPROVED BY
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Andover 01264 347630
Cirencester 01285 771022
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w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
e enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
Bath Abbey Project Phase One,Bath and NE Somerset
Test Pits V5: plan, section and photograph
A A
Former BAT trench
Roman layers
Section location
Situation of Test Pit V5
Section FF: Test Pit V6
1:200 1m
1:200 1m
V604
V603
V602
V600F
F
V601
V600
V602
V603
former BAT trenchV605
V604
21.2mAOD
S N
Section FF
V600former BAT trenchV605
Test Pit V6, looking west (1m scale)
V601V601
V600V600
V602V602
V603V603V604V604
former BAT trenchV605
former BAT trenchV605
Plan of Test Pit V6
N
CotswoldArchaeology
PROJECT TITLE
FIGURE TITLE
FIGURE NO.
7PROJECT NO.DATESCALE@A3
DRAWN BYCHECKED BYAPPROVED BY
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Andover 01264 347630
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Bath Abbey Project Phase One,Bath and NE Somerset
Test Pits V6: plan, section and photograph
A A
Former BAT trench
Roman layers
Section location
Situation of Test Pit V6
CotswoldArchaeology
PROJECT TITLE
FIGURE TITLE
FIGURE NO.
8
Plan found at Roman Bath Archive under site code KB93 and AHC93
PROJECT NO.DATESCALE@A3
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608305/06/2017NA
EEDJBSC
Bath Abbey Project Phase One,Bath and NE Somerset
Picture showing excavated areas by BAT in 1993
V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6
Test pit (CA 2017)
19
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